HCUP Central Distributor Dissemination and Records System

This is a Request for Information (RFI)/Request for Comment on the Draft Statement of Work (SOW) for the project titled HCUP Central Distributor Dissemination and Records System. This is not a request for proposal and does not commit the Government to issue a solicitation, make an award or pay any costs associates with responding to this notice. All responses shall remain with the Government and will not be returned. Purpose: The purpose of this announcement is to seek sources and input on a potential requirement for a complex data dissemination system that includes customer and application management capacity as well as an online storefront. Attached Reference Materials: Draft Statement of Work Brief Summary of the CDOW Technical Guide Application kits for the Nationwide files Application kits for the State files Application kits for the Supplementary files Response Information: Responses for providing a Central Distributor system for dissemination of HCUP databases should consider the following: Resource requirements (staff and cost) Length of time to build and deploy Integration of a user-centric design Flexibility for expansion Ability to transition data from the existing system to the new system(s) Ability to transfer system to AHRQ in its entirety, along with documentation, for operation Specifically, AHRQ is seeking the following information: What are the advantages and disadvantages of a combined data application management, online storefront, fulfillment system, and tracking system? A multicomponent system could divide the project functions into separate components that can share information but are not a single system. For example, an online storefront could operate separately from the application submission and management system if database purchases could still be limited to approved applications. Would a multicomponent system improve oversight and efficiency? What are the technical barriers to a multicomponent system? To what extent should AHRQ anticipate that custom coding will be required to perform these functions, as compared to COTS solutions? Are there any industry best practices for integrating application management and an online storefront? What existing software and systems exist that may be able to be used to fulfill the requirements? If any, how much customization would be needed? Are there more efficient ways to securely disseminate databases than an online digital download? AHRQ is requiring specific functions, but not mandating that they be accomplished in any specific manner. Given that, what information about the existing system would be useful to preparing an accurate proposal? Provide Draft Statement of Work (SOW) comments: Sources interested in submitting a response may provide comment on the draft SOW attached to this notice. Is the SOW clear and informative enough to accurately develop a proposal for this project? For comments, please identify: the SOW page. line/task/subtask number. comment and/or suggested change. Provide company name, DUNS and information on small business size standards status. Disclaimer and Important Notes: Please note this is a Request for Information (RFI) only. This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes only; it does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or promise to issue an RFP. This notice does not obligate the Government to award a contract or otherwise pay for the information provided in response. The Government reserves the right to use information provided by respondents for any purpose deemed necessary and legally appropriate. Any organization responding to this notice should ensure that its response is complete and sufficiently detailed. Information provided will be used to assess tradeoffs and alternatives available for the potential requirement and may lead to the development of a solicitation. Respondents are advised that the Government is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of the information received or provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted. The Government may or may not choose to contact individual responders. Such communications would only serve to further clarify written responses. All submissions become the property of the Federal Government and will not be returned. Not responding to this RFI does not preclude participation in any future RFP/solicitation. The information provided in this RFI is subject to change and is not binding on the Government. Response Due Date: Responses should not exceed 15 single-sided pages presented in single-space and using a 12-point font size minimum with responses to items 1 - 8 above. Note: AHRQ is interested in all of the questions listed above, but respondents are welcome to address as many or as few as they choose and to address additional areas of interest not listed. Please respond NO LATER THAN 12:00 noon ET via email on December 20, 2021 to Scott Henderson (scott.henderson@ahrq.hhs.gov).